Knowing how often fertilize vegetables depends on your soil type and what you grow. Most gardens do well with feeding every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
I started with a strict schedule my first year and fed everything the same way. Some plants got too much while others got too little. Now I adjust my vegetable fertilizer frequency based on what each crop tells me.
Sandy soil drains fast and loses nutrients quick. You need to feed your plants every 3 weeks in sandy beds or they run out of food. Water washes fertilizer right through sand, so smaller doses more often works best.
Clay soil holds onto nutrients much longer than sand. You can stretch your feeding to every 4-6 weeks with clay. The tight soil particles trap fertilizer and release it slowly over time to your plant roots.
Heavy feeders like tomatoes, squash, and corn want food more often than other crops. I feed my tomatoes every 3 weeks from transplant until frost. Squash gets the same schedule once vines start running across the garden.
Your fertilizing schedule garden plan should match each crop's needs. Root crops like carrots and beets only need one feeding at planting time. Too much nitrogen makes them grow forked and hairy roots that taste bitter.
Beans and peas need the least feeding of all your vegetables. They make their own nitrogen so you can skip them after prep work is done. I feed my bean beds once before planting and never again all season.
Container plants need feeding more often than those in the ground. Water drains through pots fast and takes nutrients with it every time. I feed my container tomatoes weekly with half-strength liquid to keep them happy.
Watch your plants for signs they need food. Yellow lower leaves often mean nitrogen is running low. Dark green leaves with few flowers mean you gave too much nitrogen and should back off.
Slow growth in the middle of the season usually means your plants are hungry. A quick dose of liquid fertilizer can perk them up in just a few days. I keep fish emulsion on hand for these emergency feedings throughout summer.
Start with a 4-week schedule and adjust based on what you see. Every garden is different and your plants will tell you what they need. Feed more often if growth slows or leaves turn pale. Feed less if you see lots of leaves but few fruits.
Read the full article: Fertilizing Vegetable Garden: Boost Your Harvest
